Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 247

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Third-rate Martial Arts Family, Greatest Under Heaven – Episode 247
“My son Hwi’s name carries the meaning of shining brightly in the light of day. When I first saw him, Hwi was a child who had abandoned his own radiance in darkness. That is why I chose a name that stood in opposition to what he was.”
Baek Moo-ryang lifted his gaze slightly upward, recalling the past.
A child who had transformed the Baek Family—once merely a third-rate martial clan—into a force that would shake the heavens anew.
That very day when I had bound myself to him through the bonds of kinship.
“Now that I think back on it, as if by fate itself, the two characters for ‘Yang’ and ‘Hwi’—meaning to shine brightly—came to mind. Hwi has proven the name I gave him through his own actions.”
“Perhaps by giving him that name, you changed the destiny that was meant to be.”
Baek Moo-ryang did not deny it.
Had I abandoned Yang Hwi back then, there was a high probability he would have fallen into the dark path.
Yet neither did I affirm it completely.
“Hwi possesses a righteous heart from the very beginning. He is bold, yet he maintains his own principles. This judgment comes from observing him over a long time, so it is the truth.”
“I see. You truly trust your son with all your heart—you are indeed a good father.”
“Hmm. I strive to be such a father, but I’m not certain I have succeeded.”
“That is not so. A name shapes one’s life, after all. Even I am proof of this. Though I was given the name Mineum, I call myself Nang Hon instead.”
Effort and shadow—no matter how one interprets it, it is hardly a favorable name.
The sort of name one might give to a child raised as an assassin.
“Though you did not receive it properly, having chosen it yourself gives it meaning as well, does it not, Seo?”
“That is also true. I am grateful for your kind words, Family Head.”
After that, Nang Hon continued to ask me various questions about the Baek Family.
While maintaining a strict boundary, his attitude seemed to betray an inability to hide his curiosity about the Baek Family.
‘It’s as if he’s showing interest because he wants to join our Baek Family.’
Father Baek Moo-ryang seemed to share this impression.
The way he answered so readily without needing to be asked suggested as much.
“A hero of the common folk. Righteousness and heroism typically pursue grand causes, yet the Baek Family grows ever stronger to stand with the small and weak.”
“There are many places that strive for great causes. Our Baek Family simply does not turn away when those close to us reach out for help.”
Even by my own thinking, it was an impossible ideal.
In a sense, a foolish dream.
Yet it was becoming reality.
Thanks to the help of countless others.
“I have received much help. Therefore, I strive to give help in return.”
“Truly, you are a great hero.”
“I hesitate to be called such a grand title as a great hero.”
The conversation flowed like water—smooth and without a single snag.
Yet something felt blocked and suffocating beneath the surface.
It was truly strange.
Never before, not even right after reversing time, had I felt this frustrated from not knowing something, from being unable to even make vague guesses.
‘That expression. That infuriating smile. There’s something he knows that I don’t.’
If I could not respond by knowing everything thoroughly and completely,
then the most important thing in such moments was improvisation.
Yang Hwi suddenly interjected.
“Hey, Nang Hon.”
“You called for me?”
“Are you affiliated with the Hyeol Sect?”
A moment of silence hung in the air, but I pressed the question again without hesitation.
No matter how I thought about it, there was no way he could be this evasive unless he was somehow entangled with those demonic bastards.
“The Hyeol Sect? You speak of those demonic disciples who committed atrocities and fled not long ago?”
“Yeah. Is there any connection? Did you perhaps receive a recruitment offer?”
The Hyeol Sect Leader… that was unlikely.
I had already scrutinized Nang Hon thoroughly with my senses heightened through Spiritual Qi.
‘Even if my realm is still too low to pierce through the Sect Leader’s true martial power, this man is absolutely not the Hyeol Sect Leader.’
The reason was simple. The Taeguk Sword Master would never allow it.
Only four of the Cheonmu-sip-jon gathered at the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly.
The Hyeol Sect Leader advanced to the True Dragon Tournament while deceiving all four of their eyes?
In that moment, the future of the Baek Family’s martial world would become devastatingly bleak.
‘He may be related without having learned the Hyeol Sect’s martial arts. His very name sounds like he was secretly raised in the Hyeol Sect’s den.’
However, Nang Hon shook his head.
“I stake my name on this answer. I am not affiliated with the Hyeol Sect. Since I take as much pride in my name as Yang Hwi does, you may trust my words.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Hwi. To ask so bluntly is discourteous.”
“My apologies, Father.”
Baek Moo-ryang bowed slightly to Nang Hon in apology.
Nang Hon accepted it graciously.
“I too have overstepped against Young Master Baek Heon-so, so let us consider this matter settled. My interest in Yang Hwi was excessive, and I committed rudeness during our match.”
“Not at all. How could facing an opponent with sincerity, one who refuses to yield, be considered rude?”
“If you see it that way, I am merely grateful.”
Nang Hon glanced around subtly. The way he looked toward the sky through the window suggested he was about to leave.
‘That won’t do.’
“Before you go, I have one more thing to say, Nang Hon.”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know. I know you’re hoping for this. I want our next match to be with you.”
This was the designation of an opponent that Nang Hon had so desperately desired.
However, Nang Hon shook his head.
“I must regretfully decline.”
“What? Why?”
“I originally wished to enjoy a bout with Yang Hwi, but I have come to feel it is premature.”
“….”
“I shall depart now to seek out the Dang Family’s Clan Head. I do not know if he will accept, but should he agree, we shall have a fine match.”
I watched Nang Hon for a moment before asking.
“Why did you change your mind? Why specifically Elder Dang as your opponent?”
“Two questions, but one answer. I, Nang Hon, always move for entertainment. The most important thing in my life is… amusement.”
Amusement. Yes, amusement indeed.
“I shall take my leave now, Baek Family Head. Thank you truly for sparing the time.”
“It was an enjoyable conversation for me as well.”
Nang Hon departed with a refreshingly bright laugh.
From Yang Hwi’s perspective, it was a frustratingly opaque smile.

* * *
The darkened road was sparse of human presence.
Walking alone, Nang Hon suddenly murmured to himself.
“Between Heaven and Earth exists Man, and though seemingly insignificant, Man possesses the qualification to exist between Heaven and Earth—how fascinating.”
Though he walked alone, someone answered Nang Hon’s soliloquy.
-You seemed to enjoy yourself, Highest One.
“Ah, yes. Thoroughly enjoyed. A worthless man who lost everything he inherited, yet changed the Mandate of Heaven itself. Humans are truly entertaining.”
The Mandate of Heaven. A phrase one should not dare speak.
It meant, quite literally, the destiny ordained by the heavens themselves.
Yet Nang Hon possessed the qualification to speak of such things.
“Ehehe~ Oh my, I’m getting drunk!”
A man was walking toward Nang Hon from the opposite direction.
His gait was unsteady, whether from intoxication or not. He walked straight ahead, apparently not noticing Nang Hon.
And Nang Hon passed through him.
It was not a natural dodge that merely appeared like passing through.
Literally, as if he were an existence without a physical body, he passed through.
One step. Two steps. Three steps.
The man collapsed dead.
“Was there need to lift a hand? He could not see, hear, nor sense.”
-He lacked both the qualification and ability to touch, yet dared not recognize, committing a sin worthy of death.
“Tsk. One life wasted in vain.”
Hearing those words, Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo released her blood qi toward the collapsed man.
The blood qi absorbed all vitality from the man.
-If my heart overstepped, punish me.
“You do this always, knowing I won’t. I am not unaware of your devotion.”
Thus, Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo was the sole existence in this Mu-han who knew Nang Hon’s true identity.
-Ahhh, Highest One. Highest One.
Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo’s voice trembled with emotion.
Nang Hon—no, Mineum—chuckled deeply and continued.
[There are four existences destined to shine in the light.]
[One is a predetermined existence, one is an existence that aspires to become, and one is a created existence.]
And the final one.
An existence that was transformed.
That very existence brought Mineum such profound joy.
[I didn’t know the reason for the failure. Or rather, even if I had known, I wouldn’t have cared. How could the naming of a mere man transform one destined to be clouded in darkness into a being that shines in the light?]
This was a murmur that even Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo could not possibly fathom.
Yet she dared not ask. The thought had never even crossed her mind.
Simply following was enough to grant her infinite joy and exhilaration.
‘I am Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo. A tool created solely for the Deity, for my Highest One.’
-Shall we provide some entertainment to lift his spirits?
[Hmm. You seem to have an interesting idea.]
-An intriguing commission has come in through one of our subordinate organizations. It seemed interesting enough that I thought the Highest One might take an interest.
Mineum’s eyes gleamed as he listened to Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo’s explanation.
[It does sound entertaining. Yes, it would be good to see how he reacts to such stimulation.]
-I shall proceed with it then.
[I have one question. What level of damage do you anticipate?]
Before answering, Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo carefully considered why this great being, who saw through all things, had posed such a question.
Then she arrived at a single conclusion.
-If left to us, it would be either half-destruction or complete annihilation. Though it would differ if you were to intervene.
[For the sake of entertainment, such a cost is acceptable.]
Mineum’s form began to gradually fade.
A body transformed perfectly into darkness, as though it had never existed.
Only a clear, resonant voice remained as proof of his existence.
[Proceed. For the sake of entertainment, I shall even permit my intervention.]
-I shall obey your command, Highest One.
Hyeol-hyeol-nyeo swore that she would surely provide entertainment worthy of the great one.

* * *
Every day there was a martial competition at Jinryong Hall, a grand banquet was held.
Since the very purpose of the Yongbong Conference was for the elite to exchange views and forge alliances, it was only natural.
“Father, you’ve had too much to drink.”
Baek Moo-ryang was in an unusually intoxicated state.
“I can’t help it. There’s so much to celebrate, isn’t there? After days of endless busyness, I finally meet my younger brother again. And as the head of the Baek Family, I engage in equal discourse with countless elite figures.”
Well, if you put it that way, I can’t bring myself to object.
‘Truth be told, I’d struggle to show restraint in your position too.’
He seemed to be in quite a good mood.
That’s why he’d dismissed all the other retainers and was now enjoying a night stroll with only me by his side.
Baek Moo-ryang smiled as he looked at me.
“And the fact that you defeated the Namgung Clan Head as well.”
His words stirred something tender in my chest.
Words only a man who truly considered me his son, despite me being adopted, could speak.
“It was only natural and expected, was it not? Why are you so pleased?”
“From your perspective, perhaps. But a father’s perspective is different. Haha.”
Baek Moo-ryang stretched.
“I know there’s much to discuss. Given your nature, you’d have preferred to drink moderately and return to conduct our talks immediately, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Once we reach the lodging, I’ll clear my head of this intoxication. For now, let’s simply enjoy ourselves.”
Well, moments like these weren’t so bad.
The path of the Baek Family was not one of running solely to reach the summit.
“Yes, Father. Then I too shall show a more relaxed side.”
“Hmm… the problem is you become far too relaxed when you do.”
“Me?”
“Don’t pretend ignorance. How many times have you displayed the demeanor of an assassin—something I never taught you?”
Well, in my past life, more than half my existence was spent as an assassin…
Since the Baek Family’s tradition emphasized both martial prowess and scholarly refinement, I suppose it did grate on him somewhat.
That was when it happened.
‘Hmm?’
My brow furrowed sharply.
“Father. There are those who wish to disturb this precious moment between us.”
There was no need for further words.
Baek Moo-ryang instantly expelled the intoxication from his entire body, and in that same instant, I extended my hand forward.
Thud!
“Ugh, cough.”
From what had been empty air moments before, a man in night clothes collapsed, spraying blood.
“Assassins.”
“What? Assassins? Here in Mu-han?”
“Insane fools, indeed.”
Mu-han in its current state is the Dragon Pool Grotto, where only four of the Cheonmu-sip-jon and countless masters dwell.
Yet Salsoo dares to set an ambush here.
‘Moreover, these bastards—their aura feels familiar.’
To be specific, I sense a degraded blood qi.
It’s a sensation I’ve encountered countless times in my past life.
“They are from the Muk-myeon Blood Sect, one of the Five Great Assassin Clans of the realm.”
Baek Moo-ryang asked in alarm.
“Why would they suddenly appear?”
“Well, it’s one of three possibilities.”
From this point forward, I sent my words through telepathic transmission rather than speaking aloud.
-Either the Blood Cult operatives lurking in the shadows have made their move, or someone has hired them to kill us.
At this moment, there’s only one person who would hire these bastards.
The Namgung Family.
-Hwi, you mentioned three possibilities—what is the last one?
-It’s simple.
The third possibility.
-The first and second scenarios could have overlapped.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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